Top class established Strikers in the market

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Walters_19_MuFc said:
Ye, I agree. I made a thread the other day, in regards to Rooney being used in midfield, providing he's given the license to get forward, where's he at his most dangerous.
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That's why I think we'll be in for a strong box to box CM in the summer, one that will play a little deeper in the midfield 3 and allow Rooney more attacking freedom.

Ye. Thing is, as the thread suggest, who's out there at the moment who is established?

People mention Lacazette, but does/can he play up top on his own?

My choice of a lone striker would have to have the attributes as Costa, Ibra, Lewandowski, Van Persie, etc. Someone who's strong, good in the air, brings people in to play, scores goals, etc. Not sure what top strikers are out there at the moment that can give us that. Possibly Muller? Van Gaal does like his versatile players.
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There isn't anyone established that is attainable IMO, we'll be going for a striker on the cusp, and if we play with a front 3 I expect LvG will want them to be very flexible with interchanging positions, as opposed to one being a pure #9.
 
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Cassidy said:
Benzema would be the perfect Striker for us I reckon, probably not attainable though, but his workrate, pace, and ability on the ball would be refreshing.
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Benzema would be a great option, but as you said, he probably wouldn't be attainable, unfortunately.

I think I'd take a good look at getting Muller in the Summer. Some may think it's unrealistic, but he doesn't always start for Bayern, which is understandable, given their attacking talent.

Muller said:

"I've reached the point where I want to know if I am an essential component of the Bayern Munich first XI for the new season and if the club has plans for me in the coming years," he said.

"I am not the type of guy that says 'alright, I have played a good part and will keep my mouth shut and everyone else is able to do with me whatever he wants.'"

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2085879-why-bayern-munich-must-keep-thomas-mueller-at-all-costs

Sounds like he's a bit fed up with playing everywhere, other than striker - similar to Rooney.

If he was to come here, we could promise him the role of first choice striker, whilst also having the option of playing him on the wing. He's strong, good in the air, works hard, scores goals, holds it up well, brings others into play, etc. Think he'd be a success. He also has a very good relationship with Van Gaal

"It’s no secret that [United manager] Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes a little beyond the normal relationship between coaches and players."
 
Devil may care said:
That's why I think we'll be in for a strong box to box CM in the summer, one thast will play a little deeper in the midfield 3 and allow Rooney more attacking freedom.
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Spot on!


Devil may care said:
There isn't anyone established that is attainable IMO, we'll be going for a striker on the cusp, and if we play with a front 3 I expect LvG will want them to be very flexible with interchanging positions, as opposed to one being a pure #9.
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Don't you think Muller would be attainable?
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Spot on!


Don't you think Muller would be attainable?
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Although there are fancier names I feel someone like Schneiderlin or Allan could do a job for us in that role.

I'd have said no on the chances of Muller until I read that interview you just posted. :lol: He'd be perfect for a front 3 given his intelligence and versatility.
 
Lacazette is flying in Ligue 1 at the moment. Nearly a goal per game, and top scorer in the league this season by far.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Benzema would be a great option, but as you said, he probably wouldn't be attainable, unfortunately.

I think I'd take a good look at getting Muller in the Summer. Some may think it's unrealistic, but he doesn't always start for Bayern, which is understandable, given their attacking talent.

Muller said:

"I've reached the point where I want to know if I am an essential component of the Bayern Munich first XI for the new season and if the club has plans for me in the coming years," he said.

"I am not the type of guy that says 'alright, I have played a good part and will keep my mouth shut and everyone else is able to do with me whatever he wants.'"

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2085879-why-bayern-munich-must-keep-thomas-mueller-at-all-costs

Sounds like he's a bit fed up with playing everywhere, other than striker - similar to Rooney.

If he was to come here, we could promise him the role of first choice striker, whilst also having the option of playing him on the wing. He's strong, good in the air, works hard, scores goals, holds it up well, brings others into play, etc. Think he'd be a success. He also has a very good relationship with Van Gaal

"It’s no secret that [United manager] Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes a little beyond the normal relationship between coaches and players."
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Really like him as a player but I don't think hes what we need tbh
 
Muller would be a great signing as the main man upfront. He's always in the right position.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
I think I'd take a good look at getting Muller in the Summer. Some may think it's unrealistic, but he doesn't always start for Bayern, which is understandable, given their attacking talent.

Muller said:

"I've reached the point where I want to know if I am an essential component of the Bayern Munich first XI for the new season and if the club has plans for me in the coming years," he said.

"I am not the type of guy that says 'alright, I have played a good part and will keep my mouth shut and everyone else is able to do with me whatever he wants.'"

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2085879-why-bayern-munich-must-keep-thomas-mueller-at-all-costs

Sounds like he's a bit fed up with playing everywhere, other than striker - similar to Rooney.

If he was to come here, we could promise him the role of first choice striker, whilst also having the option of playing him on the wing. He's strong, good in the air, works hard, scores goals, holds it up well, brings others into play, etc. Think he'd be a success. He also has a very good relationship with Van Gaal

"It’s no secret that [United manager] Louis van Gaal and I have a relationship that goes a little beyond the normal relationship between coaches and players."
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After that interview in the summer he talked with Bayern about his role in the club and then extended his contract for 2 more years until 2019.
This season he started 17 of 20 possible league games (plus 2 games off the bench), started 4 of 6 CL games and all German FA Cup games. Only Neuer and Lewandowski played more minutes than him.
He's also the player with the most goals and assists combined for Bayern in front of Robben and Lewandowski.
Bayern would be mental to let him leave and I see no chance of that happening at all.
 
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I'd be wary of Icardi. I'm not convinced he possesses the drive and commitment to live up to his potential. A very good striker but also a bit of a luxury player, reminds me of Dzeko in the sense that if the players behind him aren't performing then he is of very limited use. I've only seen Dybala twice but he looks very promising. I think Icardi would be a safer bet in that he will score goals wherever he goes as he just has that ability, but I would not be surprised at all if Dybala goes on to surpass him.
 
Kallech33 said:
After that interview in the summer he talked with Bayern about his role in the club and then extended his contract for 2 more years until 2019.
This season he started 17 of 20 possible league games (plus 2 games off the bench), started 4 of 6 CL games and all German FA Cup games. Only Neuer and Lewandowski played more minutes than him.
He's also the player with the most goals and assists combined for Bayern in front of Robben and Lewandowski.
Bayern would be mental to let him leave and I see no chance of that happening at all.
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Fair enough.
 
Devil may care said:
Although there are fancier names I feel someone like Schneiderlin or Allan could do a job for us in that role.

I'd have said no on the chances of Muller until I read that interview you just posted. :lol: He'd be perfect for a front 3 given his intelligence and versatility.
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Not too familiar with Allan, but Schneiderlin could slot into that box to box role. He can also play as holding midfielder, so I guess we'd be killing two birds with one stone.

I also like James McCarthy. Again, not a fancy name, but I personally feel he plays that box to box role superbly.
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Not too familiar with Allan, but Schneiderlin could slot into that box to box role. He can also play as holding midfielder, so I guess we'd be killing two birds with one stone.

I also like James McCarthy. Again, not a fancy name, but I personally feel he plays that box to box role superbly.
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I like the fact Schneiderlin can play both roles and is also proven in the PL, Allan has a similar game and is more of a dribbler, kinda reminds me of Edgar Davids.

It took a while for me to be won over by McCarthy but he has been excellent every time I have seen him this season and would be another that could add some bite to a 3 man midfield, a real ball winner.
 
Devil may care said:
:lol: Rooney isn't going to play as a striker under LvG IMO so might as well get one in let the two has beens go.
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I'd let one of van Persie or Falcao go, but I think I'd be happy with Rooney, Wilson and one of the others as our strikers going into next season. I still think we should deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 though.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
I'd let one of van Persie or Falcao go, but I think I'd be happy with Rooney, Wilson and one of the others as our strikers going into next season. I still think we should deploy a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 though.
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I think we'll switch to 4-3-3 and Rooney will be the AM in the midfield 3, meaning we need a striker to play in the front 3 as it requires lots of pace, energy and movement to play a front 3 properly, like Liverpool and Spurs did tonight, RvP was never suited to that in his prime and at 32 he'd be lost in that system.
 
Devil may care said:
I think we'll switch to 4-3-3 and Rooney will be the AM in the midfield 3, meaning we need a striker to play in the front 3 as it requires lots of pace, energy and movement to play a front 3 properly, like Liverpool and Spurs did tonight, RvP was never suited to that in his prime and at 32 he'd be lost in that system.
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I'd really love to see Rooney as no. 9 with Mata as no. 10, but I don't think we'll ever see it.
 
Benzema would be the absolute dream number nine signing for me considering his pace, dynamism, movement and course ability, but that is extremely unlikely. He would make a huge difference to our forward line however.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
I'd really love to see Rooney as no. 9 with Mata as no. 10, but I don't think we'll ever see it.
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Me either, I feel sure LvG is determined to transition Rooney and that means him and Mata will be mostly in competition for the same role in 4-3-3.
 
Devil may care said:
Me either, I feel sure LvG is determined to transition Rooney and that means him and Mata will be mostly in competition for the same role in 4-3-3.
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Yep, it looks like it. It's strange, van Gaal appears to like Mata, and tries to fit him into his side whenever he can, but converting Rooney into a midfielder will surely limit Mata's game time going forward.
 
KiD MoYeS said:
Yep, it looks like it. It's strange, van Gaal appears to like Mata, and tries to fit him into his side whenever he can, but converting Rooney into a midfielder will surely limit Mata's game time going forward.
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I think if Mata was faster and stronger LvG would feel more confident in using him in a midfield 3 as the playmaker, as he rarely misplaces his passes and has patience in his use of the ball. I guess essentially LvG would like to be able to merge Rooney and Mata into one player.
 
I'd offer Spurs 50m for Harry Kane - do it now rather than waiting and then trying to buy him from Real Madrid in 3 seasons for 120m.

He's class, he's English, he suits the PL, just swoop in and get it done before someone else does.
 
There's no top class "established" striker we can get right now, unless Bayern decides Lewa isn't their man [not happening] or Madrid do the same with Benzema [again,not happening]. The others are strikers with potential, but I like Dybala, he's basically a left footed Aguero, small but strong, can dribble, works hard, I like him. However, I think our striking options will be fine, we just need a midfield that can get a grip, just sign Pogba and Schneiderlin ffs, and get a wide forward, someone like Reus or even Depay and we'll be fine...buying a striker will depend on how the manager wants to play, does he want to play with 1 or 2 strikers etc.
 
"Established" strikers are very very expensive. Just put Rooney/Willson up there and play Mata, Di Maria and Herrea behind him. (Assuming we play 4231 or the diamond)

Falcao seems like a dud, and if you look at RVPs stats (yeah i know, stats are for plonkers) his goals/minutes ratio has seen a very steep decline the last couple of years.

We should be in the market for a young striker with pace and some tricks up his sleeve. The fact is, we are still rebuilding, so imo, it would be wiser to make a sensible long term investment instead of going for stop gap solutions
 
KiD MoYeS said:
I'd be angry and confused if we signed another striker in the summer.
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I wouldn't mind as long as we let go of two strikers to bring one in. But I don't think we can afford to spend big on the one we do bring on either. We need to invest in our defence and midfield.
 
Bobcat said:
"Established" strikers are very very expensive. Just put Rooney/Willson up there and play Mata, Di Maria and Herrea behind him. (Assuming we play 4231 or the diamond)

Falcao seems like a dud, and if you look at RVPs stats (yeah i know, stats are for plonkers) his goals/minutes ratio has seen a very steep decline the last couple of years.

We should be in the market for a young striker with pace and some tricks up his sleeve. The fact is, we are still rebuilding, so imo, it would be wiser to make a sensible long term investment instead of going for stop gap solutions
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Agree with the former. It isn't worth it IMO. But with regards to the latter, if Rooney isn't rated highly enough by LVG as a striker, which seems to be the case, then he's simply not going to make him his main man up top.
 
Getting a new striker surely must be a priority now, RvP and Falcao are both shot and Rooney at best will be used as an AM in my view.
 
Is it me, or is it the creative aspect of our team and style of play that is much more to blame than the strikers?

It's not like we're missing sh!Tloads of chances ever game. It's that we're not getting them.

Unless people have this romantic image that there are strikers available who can just beat 4/5men and dribble to goal on their own
 
legball said:
There's no top class "established" striker we can get right now, unless Bayern decides Lewa isn't their man [not happening] or Madrid do the same with Benzema [again,not happening]. The others are strikers with potential, but I like Dybala, he's basically a left footed Aguero, small but strong, can dribble, works hard, I like him. However, I think our striking options will be fine, we just need a midfield that can get a grip, just sign Pogba and Schneiderlin ffs, and get a wide forward, someone like Reus or even Depay and we'll be fine...buying a striker will depend on how the manager wants to play, does he want to play with 1 or 2 strikers etc.
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Hang on, so there's only a couple of good strikers out there? And they're at Real Madrid and Bayern?

There must be tonnes of good strikers out there, we just need to find them.
 
Devil may care said:
That's why I think we'll be in for a strong box to box CM in the summer, one that will play a little deeper in the midfield 3 and allow Rooney more attacking freedom.



There isn't anyone established that is attainable IMO, we'll be going for a striker on the cusp, and if we play with a front 3 I expect LvG will want them to be very flexible with interchanging positions, as opposed to one being a pure #9.
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It just seems incredible logic from the manager to in effect waste Rooney for a season. I always work to the principle of play your best player in his best position. The team should be built around Di Maria and Rooney.

Herrera, Fellaini, Carrick, Blind should play in mid, simples.
 
Sandikan said:
It just seems incredible logic from the manager to in effect waste Rooney for a season. I always work to the principle of play your best player in his best position. The team should be built around Di Maria and Rooney.

Herrera, Fellaini, Carrick, Blind should play in mid, simples.
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I think it comes down to the fact he wants a physical and mobile CM, Herrera is mobile but too light next to Blind, Fellaini is physical but way too limited, and Carrick has unfortunately been injured for much of the season, plus I imagine he sees him and Blind as an either/or, so Rooney basically ticks more boxes for him and ends up in midfield.
 
Sandikan said:
Hang on, so there's only a couple of good strikers out there? And they're at Real Madrid and Bayern?

There must be tonnes of good strikers out there, we just need to find them.
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The OP said "established". If we have to "find" them then I won't necessarily call them established, that's my point.
 
Sandikan said:
Is it me, or is it the creative aspect of our team and style of play that is much more to blame than the strikers?

It's not like we're missing sh!Tloads of chances ever game. It's that we're not getting them.

Unless people have this romantic image that there are strikers available who can just beat 4/5men and dribble to goal on their own
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It's one of the issues. Playing Falcao and van Persie together is another, it just doesn't work and they're too similar.
 
Why not Harry Kane?
This guy is young, up and coming (best years are ahead of him) and he looks like he has a lot of fight in. Someone who knows how to score in the Premier League. A proper talisman.
Against Chelsea he led the charge, which shows that he plays with no fear and believes he can beat the best teams.
Playing without fear is essential and right now, we need leaders on the pitch who want to be counted and want the ball.
My vote goes for Harry Kane. No one else who is attainable, comes close.

Its shocking to think that Falcao is still the frame. This guy doesnt even come close to Harry Kane.
 
sunama said:
Why not Harry Kane?
This guy is young, up and coming (best years are ahead of him) and he looks like he has a lot of fight in. Someone who knows how to score in the Premier League. A proper talisman.
Against Chelsea he led the charge, which shows that he plays with no fear and believes he can beat the best teams.
Playing without fear is essential and right now, we need leaders on the pitch who want to be counted and want the ball.
My vote goes for Harry Kane. No one else who is attainable, comes close.

Its shocking to think that Falcao is still the frame. This guy doesnt even come close to Harry Kane.
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Imagine how much people would have taken the piss had you said that 6 months ago.
 
Just watched the Barca vs Villareal game from last night, Vietto was fantastic, I'd seen him play well before but this was in a game where he had a thankless task, yet his tireless energy, great movement, pace and pass selection and accuracy on the counter could have led to two Villareal goals had the finishers done their part.
 
The idea of trying to negotiate with Levy for Kane is horrendous.
 
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